Dove Celebrates 45 Years of Service

DECATUR – DOVE, Inc. is celebrating 45 years and continuing to evolve and meet the needs of the community.

Last year, Dove Inc. served more than 600 women and children in their domestic violence shelter / unit alone. The organization has grown rapidly since it was started as a community outreach resource in 1970.

Interim Director Tamara Wilcox said, "Dove's mission is always to meet the unmet needs. Dove has always evolved into what it needs to be and I think that's what's neat. We have multiple different programs and we have changed every now and then."

Mainly known for the Domestic Violence shelter for victims and families one volunteer Marilyn Smith shared why helping this organization means so much to her.

She said, "One woman didn't speak English. She stayed here longer than normally we would keep someone. It was a pretty unique story because she was really alone and lost, and I can't imagine being in a country being afraid for my life not being able to speak the language, so it was a life line for her as it has been for many I am sure."

DOVE is funded mainly through grants and federal funding, but with the uncertain state budget they have already had to scale back on staff and programs. To help their efforts, we have added a link to their website on site watch.